Hong Kong-based Suzaku Games has released a playable demo for Surangama as part of Steam Next Fest. The hybrid survival horror and character action title blends cyberpunk aesthetics with Cantonese folklore, centering on a twisted vision of Diyu, the Chinese-Buddhist hell.
You play as Tse Li Li, a rookie security guard dragged into hell by the spirit of a murdered woman. Trapped in a warped underworld inspired by Kowloon Walled City and neon-soaked Hong Kong streets, Li Li must fight through five realms of punishment while confronting both relentless souls and towering bosses.
Fast, Skill-Driven Combat
The demo focuses on combat. Suzaku Games describes the system as deliberately aggressive, rewarding offense and punishing overly defensive play. Combos and time-based inputs drive encounters, with inspiration drawn from titles like Ninja Gaiden Black and Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny.
You’ll battle Ngoh Gwai, starving imprisoned souls, along with jailers and rulers of Diyu. When standard encounters don’t overwhelm you, boss fights will. The design leans into performance and precision rather than stat grinding.
At the same time, Surangama layers survival horror systems over its action core. Inventory management and resource control matter. You’ll need to weigh each encounter carefully before committing to extended fights.
Psychological Horror Rooted in Folklore
Beyond combat, Surangama emphasizes puzzle-solving and exploration. Using a Spirit Mirror, you reveal hidden paths and uncover secrets buried in Diyu’s ash-covered streets.
The narrative draws from the Surangama Sutras, Chinese-Buddhist traditions, and Cantonese folklore. The team cites classic Hong Kong action and horror cinema such as Peacock King and The Cat, alongside tokusatsu influences and modern action titles like Stellar Blade.
The result aims for fast, fluid combat paired with psychological horror and a distinct regional identity.
Road to 2028
Surangama is currently targeting an early 2028 release on PC via Steam, GOG, and the Epic Games Store. Console versions for PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch are planned, dependent on funding and optimization efforts.
The studio is also seeking support through Kickstarter as development continues. Surangama follows Suzaku’s previous titles, including Good Night Pan Pan.
If you want to see how cyberpunk horror and skill-based action intersect, the Steam Next Fest demo is available now.
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